Pregnant Kate: Duchess Is Out Of Hospital

The Duchess of Cambridge has left hospital to recuperate at home after being treated for a severe bout of morning sickness.

Kate, who is less than 12 weeks pregnant, left King Edward VII Hospital this morning with Prince William following a three-day stay.

A pale, but relaxed looking Duchess, wrapped up against the cold in a coat and scarf, emerged from the building carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers.

Asked how she was feeling by the waiting press, she gave a brief smile and replied, "much better", before being driven away with the Duke of Cambridge by her side to Kensington Palace to rest.

Meanwhile, Prince Charles has become the first member of the royal family to publicly comment on news of the pregnancy .

"I'm thrilled, marvellous," he said.

"It's a very nice thought to become a grandfather in my old age. I'm very glad my daughter-in-law is getting better, thank goodness."

Kate was receiving treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum - a rare condition which causes severe vomiting during pregnancy and can cause dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine called ketosis.

She was admitted to the central London private hospital on Monday after developing the condition.

Her discharge comes the day after it emerged two Australian radio DJs managed to trick hospital staff treating the Duchess into revealing detailed information about her condition.

Sydney's 2Day FM presenters, Mel Craig and Michael Christian, impersonated the Queen and the Prince of Wales to dupe staff.

They, and the radio station, have since apologised for the prank call.

However, Christian has been promoting their stunt on Twitter telling followers in a tweet: "Still haven't heard the #RoyalPrank that has the world talking? Listen to it here..."

The hospital has said it "deplores" the stunt and is reviewing procedures.

In a brief statement, St James's Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank the staff at the hospital for the care and treatment the Duchess has received."

Kate's sister Pippa and her brother James spent an hour visiting her at the hospital on Wednesday, while the Duchess' parents Carole and Michael Middleton are thought to have visited their daughter on Tuesday.

There has been no announcement about when the baby is due, who will be third in line to the British throne after William and his father Charles.

The new royal will be the first great grand child of a serving monarch, in direct succession, in almost 120 years.

There has been speculation that Kate could be carrying twins, as the acute sickness she is suffering from is more common in such pregnancies.